Library

The process of childbirth is a wonderful principle of nature, requiring no artificial cultivation. However, poets praised Hou Ji for delivering without tearing or splitting (uninjured delivery), free from disaster and harm; thus, apart from Hou Ji, there indeed exist cases where mothers suffer tearing and disasters. Therefore, how can the techniques for protecting childbirth be neglected? The customs are not as ancient and pure as before, prenatal education has long been abandoned. Mothers fail to preserve their health in daily life; physical ease leads to stagnation of Qi and blood, excessive nourishment results in thickened adipose tissue, and excessive desires cause the fetal membrane to become thick and difficult to rupture. If unfortunate circumstances arise, one should urgently treat with Huisheng Dan (Revive Life Pill).

Zheng Langao said: Among these factors, excessive desires cause the heaviest harm. If violated within the first three months of pregnancy, it can disturb the fetus and cause miscarriage; if violated after three months, it shortens the child's lifespan. One must be extremely cautious. He also stated: When the infant is born, many white spots on the body, or feet that are pink-white like dry bones, or dried, scorched, and purple acne marks, are all due to this reason. He further stated: Diet most strictly forbids roasted peppers and spicy foods, as well as meat from donkeys, horses, dogs, rabbits, crab, turtle, fish, pufferfish, mushrooms, wild sparrows, coix seed, and arrowhead. Ancient people had theories that eating rabbit meat causes cleft lip in infants, eating turtle meat causes short necks, eating turtle meat causes transverse presentation, and eating fish causes skin sores in infants; verification proves these to be true.

Shi Zhichen said: Secular beliefs in shamanistic heresies, attempting to change a female fetus to male, involve reckless use of acupuncture, swallowing talisman water, or applying musk plasters to the navel, causing significant harm. Young women giving birth for the first time have weak Shen (Spirit) and Qi, and their Zi Hu (uterus) is not yet relaxed. Middle-aged women, having given birth many times, suffer from blood and Qi deficiency. Both groups require regular intake of Dajindan Zhibao Wan (Great Golden Treasure Pill) for regulation.

During the sixth or seventh month, or eighth or ninth month of pregnancy, if one occasionally bends slightly and the fetus suddenly moves restlessly, with pain coming and going over two or three days, or with amniotic fluid leakage but only mild lower back pain, and the fetus has not detached from its meridian path, this is called "Nong Chan" (Playing Labor). Another condition occurs one month before delivery, with sudden lower back pain but no labor, known as "Zhuan Tai" (Turning Fetus) or "Shi Yue" (Testing Month). Whether amniotic fluid is present or not does not matter; simply keeping the body straight while sitting, lying, walking, or standing resolves the issue. Reaching high places may cause the fetus to cry in the womb; bending forward for a moment suffices for recovery.

During labor contractions, which may last two to three days or five to seven days, if the timing is not right, allow the mother to sit or lie as she wishes. Do not immediately force her to sit up and push, as worry and doubt deplete Qi. Prescribe pills or powders based on excess or deficiency patterns. (Options include Dajindan, Huisheng Dan, Dasheng San, Bianchan Shenfang).

There are seven signs of impending labor: urgent pain in the umbilical and abdominal area, heavy bearing down sensation in the waist, sensation of fire in the eyes, urgency in the anus, swelling of the vaginal opening, pulsation of the tendon in the middle finger, and simultaneous discharge of amniotic fluid or blood. Only when these symptoms are fully present should the mother exert effort. If these symptoms are incomplete, even after one or two days, do not force pushing. If amniotic fluid has discharged and the head is at the vaginal opening but delivery does not occur after three or four days, regulate diet and administer Dajindan to strengthen Qi and Blood.

During labor, if food intake decreases, regularly take Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) for regulation; do not let vitality decline. If the Jiao Gu (pubic symphysis) fails to open, it is due to Qi and Blood failing to circulate; tonify the Middle and benefit Qi, administering Jiawei Qiong Gui Tang.

If alarm occurs too early during labor, blood discharges first, drying up the fetal Yuan, leading to a stiff, dead fetus in the abdomen. Observe the mother's face and tongue: blue face indicates maternal injury, blue tongue indicates fetal injury, both blue means both mother and fetus are hard to save. To expel a dead fetus, do not panic and push; administer Huisheng Dan (up to three pills) for immediate expulsion. If unavailable, mix Pingwei San (one tael) with Poxiao (five qian), boil briefly, and take warm; the fetus will liquefy and exit. Avoid forceful pushing to prevent shocking the mother.

When the fetus shows signs of exiting but turns slowly, maternal force may cause hands or feet to present transversely or inversely. If the birth canal is misaligned, with the head pressing against the left or right leg, it is called "Pian Chan" (Lateral Presentation). If pressing against the anus, it is called "Cheng Hou". In such cases, quickly help the mother onto the bed, lie flat on her back, cover with thick quilts, and administer Bianchan Tang (prepared beforehand). Lift her upper body slightly, reposition, align the head with the vaginal opening, and assist immediately for delivery.

Cheng Ke'an said: Common belief calls hand-first presentation "Seeking Salt," because hands curl upon touching salt. Wu Zitong said: Regardless of hand or foot presenting, quickly prick the palm or sole with a needle tip (approx. half a millimeter deep), apply a mixture of salt, vinegar, and mud, and gently guide the limb back. If the head presents but does not descend during turning, the umbilical cord may be around the shoulder. Help the mother lie on her back, gently push the fetus upward, press the shoulder to release the cord, then assist delivery.

Delayed placenta indicates weak Qi; administer Dajindan. If blood enters the placenta causing distension and pain, quickly administer Huisheng Dan (two to three pills) or use Niuxi Tang. A quick method is grinding aged ink in boiling water and taking it orally. Alternatively, an experienced midwife may trace the umbilical cord upwards, gently press the placental blood, and wait calmly for expulsion. Methods like applying castor beans to the sole or inducing vomiting by holding hair are unorthodox and must be avoided.

Pushing too early ruptures the membranes. Burn Yu Jiao (Fish Maw) until charred but retaining properties, grind fine, and take with wine. If wind blows into the ruptured membranes causing swelling and dryness of the vagina, wait calmly. Beware of malicious midwives intentionally rupturing membranes; take precautions.

If intestines prolapse during labor, fill a clean basin with warm water and a little sesame oil for lubrication. When the fetus and placenta emerge, have the mother lie back slightly, inhale deeply to lift internally. The midwife, with oiled hands, slowly returns the intestines. Alternatively, consume decoction of magnetite used by Feng Shui practitioners, or soak in concentrated Huang Bo (Phellodendron) decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Tang. If the bladder prolapses after delivery, use the same reduction method. If the midwife ruptures the bladder, take Bazhen Tang with three qian of pig bladder to restore function.

Wang Ningzhai said: Intestinal prolapse is due to insufficient Middle Qi. If seen in the first pregnancy, it often occurs in the fifth or sixth month of subsequent pregnancies; administer lifting and ascending formulas to prevent this during delivery.

Failure of the vaginal opening to close postpartum indicates Qi and Blood deficiency; Jiawei Xiong Gui Tang or Shiquan Dabu Tang are suitable. If caused by friction from a large fetus, wash with decoction of Qi Ai (Artemisia argyi) and Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus japonicus).

Postpartum blood syncope with unconsciousness: Finely chop fresh chives, place in a spouted bottle, pour boiling vinegar over it, seal tightly, poke two small holes. Have the mother sit securely and熏 (fumigate) the nostrils with the bottle opening until the vinegar vapor penetrates, restoring consciousness. Alternatively, administer Dajindan or Qinghun San. Burning old lacquerware is contraindicated; returning Qi and Blood makes one susceptible to filth-induced diseases.

Fang Gongdu said: For rebellious blood attacking the heart causing fullness and critical condition, fry twenty slices of fresh ginger with half a jin of salt, wrap in cloth, and apply as a hot compress. Blood descends and the patient recovers. Adding chives is also effective. For rebellious blood entering the lungs causing asthma, equal parts of Renshen (Ginseng) and Sumu (Sappan Wood) decocted and taken orally cure the condition.

Postpartum, all meridians are empty. Early washing may cause facial paralysis, locked jaw, convulsions, and opisthotonos. Or, anger may cause fever and confusion. Roast Jingjie Sui (Schizonepeta) slightly, wash Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) with wine (each two qian), add half a cup of water, half a cup of Tongbian (child's urine), and half a cup of yellow wine. Decoct to七分 (70%), and administer. If the jaw is locked, pry open with a hairpin, or mouth-to-mouth feed while pinching the nose and massaging the throat to facilitate swallowing, restoring consciousness.

Postpartum tongue protrusion unable to retract is caused by excessive force. Apply Zhusha (Cinnabar) powder and simulate the birthing posture; it will retract spontaneously. Old methods like startling the patient by dropping pots outside the window, burning lacquerware, or biting hair are imperfect.

Trauma to Zang-Fu Qi during pregnancy causing rupture of the uterine ligaments leads to sudden fetal expulsion, called "Xiao Chan" (Miscarriage). This damages the uterus more severely than term delivery; double care and regulation are needed. Administer Dajindan, Zhibao Wan, or Xiong Gui Buzhong Tang.

**Dajindan Formula:**
Dang Gui (large, fat branches, washed in wine, dried, sliced thickly), Baifu Ling (Poria cocos mixed with milk, dried), Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala steamed seven times in rice wrapped in yellow earth, soil removed, sliced, baked), Yanhusuo (Corydalis rhizome boiled thoroughly in wine, dried), Qiai (Artemisia argyi stems removed, dust washed away, boiled in vinegar), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Chuanben (Ligusticum wallichii, cleaned, dried), Danpi (Moutan cortex washed in water, dried), Chishizhi (Red Halloysite), Yinchen (Artemisia capillaris boiled in child's urine), Biejia (Softshell turtle shell酥-roasted in vinegar), Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis stir-fried in wine), Baizhi (Angelica dahurica) — each two taels. Renshen (Ginseng sliced, steamed in rice), Day Dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa boiled rotten in wine), Yimucao (Motherwort, upper half boiled into paste), Xiangfu (Cyperus rotundus processed six times with vinegar, milk, wine, child's urine, saline water, and rice wash water, each four taels), Guixin (Cinnamon bark), Dagancacao (Licorice root washed in wine, stir-fried), Moyao (Myrrh, transparent, defatted, each one tael two qian), Beiwuweizi (Schisandra chinensis stems removed, net stir-fried, one tael), Chenxiang (Aquilaria wood, six qian), Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin fried with clam powder into pearls, three taels). Zihewche (Placenta humanum, one unit): Place in a bamboo basket, soak in running water for half a day to remove impurities. Place four taels of Huangbai (Phellodendron bark) in a clay pot, put the placenta on top, submerge in wine, cook over charcoal fire. Remove, combine with other herbs, pound, dry, and grind to fine powder like flour. Mix with Yimucao paste, soft Rehmannia, and Ejiao. Pound two thousand times. Add refined honey gradually if too dry. Form pills the size of弹子 (bullets), weighing three qian five fen each. Dry briefly in sunlight and store.

If good Ejiao is unavailable, Guijiao (Tortoise gelatin) is miraculous. Wu Zitong passed down this formula, coated with Zhusha (Cinnabar). Do not handle during preparation.

Take one pill with rice soup during labor to boost spirit, strengthen Qi and Blood, ensuring smooth delivery.
After delivery, take one pill with child's urine and good wine for clear spirit and robust body, preventing hemorrhage or syncope. Daily intake for five days solidifies Qi and Blood, preventing other diseases.
For postpartum hemorrhage, take one pill with child's urine and wine to stop bleeding immediately.
For postpartum syncope, take one pill with Dang Gui and Chuanxiong decoction to regain consciousness.
For postpartum wind spasms, take one pill with Fangfeng Tang to resolve spasms.
For postpartum "Erzhen" (lochia stasis) pain, take with Hawthorn and brown sugar decoction to stop pain.
For retained placenta, take with Black Ginger decoction to expel it.
For irregular menstruation and infertility, take one pill daily with Chuanxiong and Dang Gui decoction after menstruation; conception is possible after one hundred days.
For Qi and Blood imbalance with emotional depression, causing threatened abortion after minor trauma, take one pill with plain water and sleep for half a day to calm the fetus. Daily intake ensures full-term safety.
For general deficiency and damage in women, take one pill daily with Chuanxiong and Dang Gui decoction for recovery. Postpartum, regardless of symptoms, take with child's urine and wine to save lives and revive the dying; its merits are immeasurable.

**Zhibao Wan Formula:**
Zhen Jinhua Xiangfu (One jin four taels, select clean, large, hairless Cyperus, soak in child's urine for three days, pound, dry, powder. Boil several sheng of horse-feed black beans for thick juice, mix with powder and dry three times. Mix with human milk and dry once, grind to powder, use twelve taels). Shu Dihuang (Prepared Rehmannia, three taels). Dang Gui, Duzhong (Salt-water stir-fried, each two taels), Chuanxiong, Renshen, Baifu Ling, Mudan Pi, Yanhusuo, Dilixiang (Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrh) — bake the latter two on tiles to remove oil and grind. Chishizhi (Fine, lip-sticking variety, fire-quenched in vinegar, each one tael). Baizhu, Baishao (Each one tael five qian). Lujiao Jiao (Deer horn gelatin fried with oyster shell powder into pearls, powder removed, four taels).
Process remaining herbs as in Dajindan. Honey-pill size of bullets. Take one pill on an empty stomach every morning with plain water to regulate menstruation, stop leukorrhea, calm the fetus, and tonify deficiency. No formula is more miraculous for pre-natal conditions.

**Huisheng Dan Formula:**
Jinwen Dahuang (Rhubarb, one jin, powdered). Sumu (Sappan wood, three taels, crushed, decocted in river water to yield three bowls of juice). Daheidou (Black soybeans, three sheng, soaked, shelled, placed in silk bag, cooked with beans, beans removed, juice retained, shells dried). Honghua (Safflower, three taels, stir-fried yellow, decocted in four bowls of good wine, boiled five to seven times, strained). Mi Cu (Rice vinegar, aged, nine jin).
First, put Rhubarb powder in a clean pot, add three jin of rice vinegar, simmer on low heat, stirring constantly with a long wooden stick until paste forms. Add another three jin of vinegar, stir thoroughly as before. Add another three jin of vinegar, stir thoroughly. Slowly add black bean juice, boil again. Then add Sappan wood juice, then Safflower juice. Stir and boil into paste as before. Remove into a tile bowl. Scrape off the pot crust (Guoba) and grind together with the following herbs.
Renshen (Two taels, half amount acceptable), Dang Gui, Chuanxiong (both wine-washed), Xiangfu, Yanhusuo (both vinegar-stir-fried), Cangzhu (Soaked in rice wash water, stir-fried), Puhuang (Stir-fried through paper), Fuling, Taoren (Skin and pit removed), Jiu Zheng Shu Dihuang (Wine-steamed prepared Rehmannia) — each one tael. Niuxi (Achyranthes bidentata), Diyu (Sanguisorba officinalis), Baishao (All wine-washed), Gancao (Roasted), Sanleng (Sparganium, soaked in vinegar, wrapped in paper, baked), Chuan Qianghuo (Notopterygium incisum), Guang Juhong (Citrus reticulata peel), Mabiancao (Verbena officinalis), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus dung, boiled in vinegar, dried, ground fine), Shanzhuyrou (Cornus officinalis flesh, soaked in wine, steamed, pounded, added to medicine, dried) — each five qian. Mugua (Chaenomeles), Qingpi (Green citrus peel, stir-fried), Baizhu (Soaked in rice wash water, stir-fried), Qiukui Zi (Abutilon theophrasti seeds) — each two qian. Wuyao (Lindera aggregata, peeled, two taels five qian), Liangjiang (Alpinia officinarum), Muxiang (Aucklandia root) — each four qian. Rushiang (Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrh) — each two qian, baked on tiles to remove oil and grind. Yimucao (Motherwort, two taels).
Grind the thirty herbs and black bean shells into powder. Put in stone mortar, mix with Rhubarb paste, add one jin of mature honey, pound one thousand times. Form pills weighing two qian seven or eight fen. Dry in a quiet room in shade for over twenty days. Avoid sun, fire, and dust. Final weight approx. two qian. Seal with melted wax for storage.

Take one pill with light salt water during labor to prevent transverse or breech presentation. For weak Qi and Blood, take with Dushen Tang.
If the mother has a chronic febrile disease and the fetus dies in utero, decoct one qian of Cheqianzi (Plantago seed) in water, take, and if not expelled, take two to three more pills. If death resulted from premature bleeding, decoct one qian each of Renshen and Cheqianzi. If Ginseng is unavailable, use a little aged wine to decoct Plantago seed.
For retained placenta, take one to three pills dissolved in water with a little roasted salt.
For postpartum syncope, take with Mint decoction.
Three days postpartum, Qi and Blood are unstable, wandering to the Five Zang, rushing to the Liver, causing syncope, inability to move or stop, seeing black flowers in vision; take with boiling water.
Seven days postpartum, food and blood clump in the chest causing stifling, irritability, and thirst; take with boiling water.
Postpartum emaciation, blood entering Heart and Lungs, heat entering Spleen and Stomach, alternating chills and fever resembling malaria; take with boiling water.
Postpartum rebellious blood circulating to Five Zang, filling limbs, causing edema, thirst, and cold limbs (blood edema, not water edema); take with boiling water.
Postpartum rebellious blood generating heat, causing central irritability and delirium (not wind pathogen); take with boiling water.
Postpartum rebellious blood entering the Heart orifice, causing aphasia; decoct three fen of Ganjuhua (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and two fen of Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus) in water and take.
Within one month postpartum, accidental ingestion of sour, cold, hard substances clashing with blood, entering Large Intestine, causing dysentery with pus and blood; take with Hawthorn decoction.
Postpartum joints open, blood entering meridians, lingering causing distension and soreness (not dampness); decoct three fen of Sugeng (Perilla stem) in water and take.
Mid-month postpartum, improper diet combined with anger, residual blood entering Small Intestine, blocking water passages, hematuria resembling chicken liver; decoct four fen of Mutong (Akebia quinata stem) in water and take. If blood enters Large Intestine, blocking anus, forming clots like chicken liver, decoct three fen of Guang Chenpi (Tangerine peel) in water and take.
Postpartum lochia not cleared, diet not harmonized, causing metrorrhagia, blood resembling liver color, tidal fever, irritability, back stiffness; decoct three fen of Baizhu and two fen of Guang Chenpi in water and take.
Postpartum blood stagnating in Spleen and Stomach causing distension and vomiting (not inverted stomach); decoct Chenpi (Tangerine peel) in water and take.
Postpartum rebellious blood entering Six Fu organs, spreading to skin and limbs, causing yellow face, dry mouth, epistaxis, and generalized spots; critical condition. Take with aged wine.
Postpartum difficult urination, constipation, alternating chills and fever, drunken/delirious state; take with boiling water.
For all strange symptoms caused by postpartum rebellious blood, unfamiliar to people and hard for doctors to identify, take one to three pills of this Dan. Miraculous effects are guaranteed.

Before delivery, take one pill with Dushen Tang to strengthen Qi, nourish fetus, yin, ensure smooth delivery, harmonize Five Zang, and balance Yin-Yang. Most miraculous.
For virgins with amenorrhea or irregular menstruation, take with plain water; excellent effect.
This Dan clears and benefits Zang Qi faster than Dajindan. However, for routine use, prioritize Zhibao Wan, using Huisheng Dan later, and Dajindan intermittently. Together they complement each other's wonders. Since obstetrics began, no such perfect treasure has been seen. I wish those with means in the world would sincerely prepare this widely to save beings; Heaven will surely not disappoint.

**Tunaowan (Rabbit Brain Pill):**
December Rabbit Brain Marrow (one unit, skin and membrane removed, ground to paste). Mudingxiang (Cloves, two qian five fen). Rushiang (Frankincense), Shexiang (Musk) — each separately ground, five fen.
Grind the three fragrances fine, mix, form pills with rabbit brain the size of Eshi (Chinese quince seed). Dry in shade, wrap in oiled paper. Take one pill with warm water when needed. Effective for any abnormal presentation, transverse or breech. During delivery, males hold in left hand, females in right hand.

Zhao Zhao'an said: Rat Kidney pierced with silver needle, drip one qian of Rushiang (Frankincense), grind to powder, form pills the size of Tungzi (Toona sinensis seed), coat with Zhusha (Cinnabar). When lochia arrives, send down with two pills using good wine. Same therapeutic effect.

For ready-made decoctions and pills unavailable, use according to indications.

**Antatai Yin (Calming Fetus Decoction):**
Baizhu, Dang Gui, Zisu (Perilla leaf), Tiao Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) — each one qian. Chuanxiong (Eight fen), Baishao (Seven fen). Sharen (Amomum fruit, stir-fried), Xiangfu (Cyperus rotundus, stir-fried) — each six fen. Renshen, Chenpi (Tangerine peel) — each five fen. Zhigancao (Roasted Licorice) three fen. Zhugen (Bamboo shoot root) two qian.

Weng Shugong said: When a woman's menstruation is absent for three months, in cases of doubt, take two qian of Chuanxiong powder, decoct Mugua (or here likely Mugua tea/Ai Ye tea as per context "Ai Tang") on an empty stomach, mix with one Cun Qi (square inch fragment) of the powder. If movement is felt in the abdomen, it is pregnancy. Movement below the navel indicates Xue Xia (blood mass). No movement indicates stagnant blood.

Cheng Weineng said: The Uterus is connected to the Kidney. If Kidney Qi is deficient, the fetus cannot be secured. Use one jin of Duzhong (Eucommia bark), stir-fried in salt water until fibers break, grind to powder. One jin of Hei Zao (Black dates), skin and pits removed, pounded to paste. Form pills together. Take three qian each time; the fetus will naturally secure itself.

**Renshen Jupi Tang (Ginseng and Tangerine Peel Decoction):**
For acid regurgitation and nausea/vomiting during pregnancy due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency.
Ingredients: Renshen, Baizhu, Fuling, Chenpi, Houpo (Magnolia bark), Maidong (Ophiopogon tuber), Zhigancao, Wei Jiangsheng (Ginger baked).

**Maimendong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction):**
For frequent palpitations and fright during pregnancy, known as "Zi Fan" (Fetal Distress).
Ingredients: Maidong, Huangqin, Fuling, Dan Zhuye (Bamboo leaf).

**Tianxianteng San (Celestial Vine Powder):**
For edema of face, eyes, and limbs during pregnancy, known as "Zi Qi" (Fetal Qi Edema).
Ingredients: Xiangfu, Chenpi, Wuyao, Gancao, Tianxianteng (Stephania tetrandra stem).

**Lingyangjiao San (Antelope Horn Powder):**
For rapid breathing, convulsions, and rolling eyes during pregnancy, known as "Zi Xian" (Eclampsia).